Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a permanent method of contraception for men that cuts off the supply of sperm to the penis.

What is a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a minor operation that cuts and seals off the vas deferens tubes that carry sperm from your testicles to your penis.

It stops your sperm from mixing with your semen and reaching your penis. It is also called male sterilisation and means you will not be able to father any more children. After a vasectomy no other methods of contraception are then needed.

What does the vasectomy surgery involve?

A vasectomy procedure is typically carried out under local anaesthetic and takes around 15 to 30 minutes.

Each vas deferens tube is cut, a small section is removed and, the cut ends are then sealed or tied. The cuts in your skin are closed using dissolvable stitches or adhesive strips.

Are there different types of vasectomy?

There are two types of vasectomy:

•Conventional vasectomy - involves making two small cuts in your scrotum that are stitched up at the end of the procedure.
•No-scalpel vasectomy - is a newer and now commonly used method that negates the need of a scalpel to cut your skin. Instead a special instrument makes a tiny hole in the skin of your scrotum above your vas deferens and small forceps open up the hole so that your surgeon can access your vas deferens tubes. This method is thought to cause less bleeding, pain and complications and, requires no stitches.

Your surgeon will discuss the best option for you.

It is possible to have a vasectomy reversal following a vasectomy. This reconnects the vas deferens tubes that were cut during a vasectomy.

Complications following a vasectomy

Most men will feel vasectomy side effects such as: soreness, tenderness and bruising on or around their scrotum, bleeding inside their scrotum and blood in their semen, for a few days after the operation.

More serious complications can include:

•Haematoma - blood collects and clots in your scrotum.
•Sperm granulomas – sperm can sometimes leak from your cut tubes and in rare cases collect and form hard lumps called sperm granulomas.
•Infection
•Fertile again – if the vas deferens reconnects
•Long-term testicle pain - due to a pinched nerve or scarring
•Testicles feeling full – as the epididymis becomes filled with stored sperm.

What is the cost of a vasectomy?

If you decide to pay for your treatment, Ramsay offer an all-inclusive Total Care package, where a single one-off payment at a pre-agreed price, delivering direct access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance. You can also spread the cost of your treatment with finance options available.

A vasectomy may be covered by your medical insurance policy. We advise you to check directly with your insurance provider and get written confirmation before commencing treatment.

Recovering from a vasectomy

Usually you will go home the same day of your vasectomy operation. Your testicles will probably ache for the first few days.

You should be able to go back to work within a couple of days, unless you are involved in strenuous physical activity.

Avoid any sexual activity for a week or so. You should use an alternative form of contraception until your surgeon has confirmed there are no sperm in your semen. After the vasectomy, there will be some sperm left in the upper part of your vas deferens tubes. It can take more than 20 ejaculations for your tubes to be sperm free.

After three months, your surgeon will ask you for two samples of your semen a few weeks apart and these will be tested to ensure there is no sperm.

You can expect no vasectomy side effects to your sex drive or enjoyment of sex. You will still have erections and ejaculate normally, just your semen will not contain sperm.

Vasectomy with Ramsay Health Care

Ramsay Health Care aims to give you the best health care for your individual needs. We have expert surgeons who routinely perform vasectomy surgery for men who choose this reliable method of male contraception.

There is often a wait to have a vasectomy on the NHS and there are restrictions depending on where you live. We offer convenient and local appointments for a private vasectomy at a Ramsay Hospital near you, contact us now to book your appointment.

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Mount Stuart Hospital is one of Devon's leading private hospitals with an excellent reputation for delivering high quality healthcare treatments and services. The hospital opened in 1984 and has 31 bedrooms all with en suite facilities to ensure complete privacy.